faith | Girl Meets Life | a lifestyle blog by Gracie Gordon

snapshots.

26 June, 2014 by Gracie 8 Comments

Sooo these snapshots are going to be another regurgitation of my Instagram feed, for the most part.

If I’m being completely honest, I’ve stayed in a bit of a blogging funk since taking a break a few months ago. I wasn’t really going to address it because I sort of can’t stand when bloggers are all “woe is me, blogging is sooo difficult,” because the truth is that it’s an incredible platform and I’m lucky to even have people who follow me.

I think this funk is a mixture of a few things – mostly a) after over 4 years of essentially documenting my entire life, it’s very freeing not to and b) the time commitment involved to produce “real” content is just not something I can do right now, especially with my other job(s).

So – that’s that. I’m not going anywhere and will definitely continue posting, but if you’ve been noticing my posts being more sporadic/few and far between, that’s why. I’m sure I’ll get back to a place of blogging more, but I just never want to force it, you know? In the meantime you can always keep up with me on Instagram (and Tumblr, if anyone actually still uses that…?).

I wasn’t planning on sharing that at all, but I’m glad I did On to the snapshots…

The summer makes it very difficult not to snap pictures of this city…

The latest via Speakable.

Last weekend we celebrated Monica’s birthday. I love her. Like, a lot.

I don’t know what it is about photo filters that turn my hair blue…

Speaking of blogging being an opportunity, Jessi and I went to a pretty cool event last week.

There were hundreds of amazing products, but we found ourselves most excited about the fondue fountain. Oops.

(image stolen from Jessi)

On Monday we celebrated Parker’s (Jessi’s husband) birthday, by way of a surprise party at Cannibal.

If the name of the restaurant didn’t give it away, it was definitely geared toward the carnivorous type. Challenge accepted.

Last but not least are these devos from the past few days, which I just loved…

(both from “God’s Promises Day By Day”)

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What’s been a highlight of your week so far? Any fun summer plans coming up?

insta-lately.

17 June, 2014 by Gracie 7 Comments

I have a confession. My love for Instagram is competing with my dedication to GML.

In the past I would “save” photos for GML because – let’s be real – if you follow me on Instagram, it’s sort of redundant to see all of the same pix on the blog. BUT…that’s what I’m about to do. So if you do follow me on Instagram, feel free to skip this post

Rewind to Friday where Jessi and I started one of our video shoots for Red Carpet Manicure. I got to wear this gorgeous Jolita Jewellery necklace (although, this photo doesn’t even begin to do it justice!).

Also on the necklace front – I can’t get enough of how my Speakable necklaces layer perfectly.

(I’ve gotten some questions about the lengths – FYI in this pic the nameplate is 16 inch and the bar 18 inch.)

Saturday was just about the perfect day. I slept in, relaxed all morning, and gave myself a mani. I thought I loved going to the nail salon, but doing a gel manicure from my own couch with a big cup of coffee is much more enjoyable!

Then in the afternoon Rachel and I went out and about all over the city (I’m not exaggerating – we hit about 5 different neighborhoods, haha). Gotta love a World Cup weekend!

During one of our 3348659 cab rights we hit the jackpot and got a brand new cab – complete with a huge sun roof, phone charger outlet, temperature control, and an intercom to speak to the driver. If you live in NYC…well, this is a big deal, people.

On Sunday I got a bit sentimental on Instagram, starting with a Father’s Day shout out to my main man.

Side note – my sister and I joke that this was my “garden gnome” baby stage, haha.

I also spread some love for Rachel, which appropriately turned out to be one of my most liked photos ever. This girl’s story is beyond inspiring and is going to change so many lives (already has!). I’m so blessed to know her!

Be sure to check back on her blog A Life Feast, where she’ll soon be sharing her blog entries from her cancer journey a few years ago.

Another side note – did you know Rachel and I actually met via the blog world? It’s true!

Even though I just blogged about this giveaway yesterday, here’s a little reminder about my Instagram contest – I’m giving away a gift box of Rawxies products! Click here for details on how to enter.

Last but not least is Psalm 73:26, which I shared this morning. This verse couldn’t be any more perfect/true…

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If you’re a blogger, how do you balance your Instagram photos with your blog?

you are more.

4 June, 2014 by Gracie 6 Comments

Did you know?

You are more.

You are more than your looks.

You are more than your body.

You are more than who you know.

You are more than what you do.

You are more than where you’ve been.

You are more than your height, weight, hair color, skin color, and even personality.

You are more than what you think your life should look like.

You are more than what you think others think about you.

You are more than that feeling you get when you think you screwed everything up.

You are more than that feeling you get when you think you’ll never measure up.

You are more than the mistakes you’ve made.

You are more than your biggest successes.

You are more because HE is more.

You are a daughter and princess of the King and Creator of the universe. Nothing you do or don’t do – nothing you are or are not – will ever, ever change that.

snapshots.

9 May, 2014 by Gracie 16 Comments

‘Twas a pretty uneventful week in GML world – mostly because work was busier than ever – but I’ll give ya what I’ve got!

First of all, I’ve got pretty exciting Speakable news coming next week. I can’t wait to share it!

Transitioning into working with RCM has been pretty seamless and…well, really fun.

On the food front – I’ve been enjoying more spring-like, light & fresh meals.

This smoothie was particularly bomb. It included a big handful of frozen strawberries, 1 frozen banana, 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder, and 1 cup of almond milk.

Blossom Du Jour is back in my life. Same old Smokey Avocado Wrap.

And this easy snack I’ve been having often – sliced banana, dark chocolate sea salt almonds, and a drizzle of maple syrup – so simple yet so good.

The other day Jessi, Rachel and I saw The Other Woman, and it was the epitome of a chick flick…in the best possible way.

Last but not least is this passage from Psalm 18. It was so perfect for me right now, so I thought it might mean something to you as well…

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How has your week been? See any good movies lately?

redirecting anxious thoughts.

30 April, 2014 by Gracie 5 Comments

Over the weekend as Erica and I had our mini road trip to Amanda and Justin’s wedding, we started chatted about negative thoughts. But not just any negative thoughts – the anxious, worrisome, fearful thoughts that most likely are not even true.

This is definitely something I struggle with because I’m a FIXER. If there’s something wrong (or something I perceive as being wrong), I instantly think of ways that I can make the problem go away. But if there’s anything I’ve learned about anxious thoughts, it’s that 99% they’re irrational and can’t actually be “fixed.”

What can be done, though, is redirecting those thoughts. For me, simply thinking positively doesn’t do the trick. I need to get out of my own thinking, and instead redirect it to the truth…to God.

I always knew that that was the answer when it came to getting rid of anxious thoughts, but over the weekend Erica shared with me the best way I’ve ever heard of for doing so.

She suggested repeating this five statement pledge, which is from Believing God by Beth Moore.

1) God is who He says He is.

2) God can do what He says He can do.

3) I am who God says I am.

4) I can do all things through Christ.

5) God’s Word is alive and active in me.

It’s crazy how much just saying those statements out loud literally makes my anxious thinking disappear – there’s so much power in these words!

I’ll be honest, it’s been a bit difficult getting used to doing such a simple act instead of (doing the opposite and) overanalyzing, but that’s what makes God’s grace so unfathomably amazing…

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How do you deal with negative/anxious thoughts?

thankful thursday.

17 April, 2014 by Gracie 6 Comments

Usually my Thankful Thursday posts include a list of things I’m thankful for, but today I wanted to share just one thing.

I saw this quote the other day, and I couldn’t get it off my mind.

I guess it struck a chord so deeply within me because it just made me…well, thankful! I’m thankful that all of my mistakes, flaws, and shortcomings have been forgiven, forgotten, and I’m left with a clean slate and a God who loves me unconditionally. I can’t wrap my mind around it!

I do sometimes struggle with looking to past experiences and wishing I would have done things differently. Sure, it’s good to learn from the past, but I refuse to let it define me.

The future is what’s worth focusing on…especially because the future is now. And that’s exciting.

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“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, [God is] doing a new thing!” Isaiah 43:18-19

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

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What are you thankful for today?

ALL CAPS necessary.

3 April, 2014 by Gracie 11 Comments

If you’ve ever wondered why I love makeup so much, it’s because MY FACE DISAPPEARS WITHOUT IT.

Basically.

Yesterday I made the dumb decision to go to the specialty food store when I didn’t really need anything. I proceeded to make the dumb decision of spending $10 on wraps.

I’m sorry, wrawps.

Now the problem I’m left with is that I LOVE THESE THINGS and will now most likely spend $10 on wraps wrawps every week.

Damn you, raw vegan geniuses.

By the way, despite loving those flat breads I’m neither raw nor vegan…because a life without THE MEATBALL SHOP is no life at all.

Such a fun night with my small group. These girls are top notch.

Sometimes when I watch Mad Men, I get so bored, yet I can’t stop watching it.

I blame…DON DRAPER. I hate to love him.

HIS ways, HIS paths. ‘Nuff said.

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What in your life right now is ALL CAPS necessary?

snapshots.

30 March, 2014 by Gracie 5 Comments

Let’s just put this out on the table. I kind of hate myself for how obnoxious my new phone cover is.

My “closet” is slowly but surely starting to look a bit more spring-like too.

The norm.

I could get the (create your own) market vegetable plate from Westville every single day.

I spent Saturday at my church’s first ever Relationship Seminar. It was a great day! And St. Paul’s German Church is just so beautiful (we don’t meet there on Sundays, just for special events).

We rushed over to Elmo for a quick lunch. I turkey burger-ed it.

On Saturday night we went to my friend Martina’s birthday party. Having a party in an NYC apartment isn’t an easy task, but she nailed it.

Loved this idea – pour champagne into glasses filled with a bit of cotton candy. How cute!

Last but not least, today’s daily devotionals were oh so good…

(First one from Cheque Book of the Bank of Faith, second from Jesus Calling)

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What has been a highlight of your weekend so far?
Have you started switching over to a more spring-like wardrobe yet?

11 things.

26 March, 2014 by Gracie 23 Comments

Apparently you guys enjoy the all over the place posts, so I guess I’ll keep ‘em coming!

(I like them too – they remind me of what makes blogging such a fun outlet.)

Let’s see…

1) I’ve started using Twitter again. Sort of. I’m trying to, at least. I didn’t really think anyone still used it, but it seems they do! You can follow me @alagracie, if you’d like.

2) Speaking of social media, I’ve been really fascinated about how Instagram seems to be becoming the new blog. Anyone else notice that? It makes sense, since Instagram is so much easier to post on, follow, and more interactive in a sense. Guess I had better step up my Insta-game…

3) Over the past month or so I’ve been working on simplifying my life. I do this thing where I’m constantly overcommitting myself (sometimes to others’ projects, but mostly to my own). I definitely love working on multiple things at a time because I do tend to get bored easily, but I’m finding what my healthy balance looks like when it comes to how many projects I can actually manage at any given time.

4) I love watching the news, and I watch it often. Not knowing what’s going on in the world makes me feel dumb.

5) I’m in PA for a few days. I always feel a sense of guilt when I come here – like I should be “braving” the city more. But the truth is that I need to escape and go back to the simple life from time to time, and that’s been more common lately (I go through phases). But instead of feeling bad about it, I’ve learned how to embrace it and be thankful that I have jobs that allow me to do that.

6) I’m going to be the most stereotypical blogger ever right now and share the awesome bowl of oatmeal I had for breakfast yesterday. It included almond milk, cinnamon, sliced banana, walnut butter, and some mixed nuts. I forgot how cozy and comforting oatmeal is.

7) I also made this lil’ snack plate, which I thought was cute. It included strawberries, Mary’s crackers, hummus, and some coconut dark chocolate.

8) I just referred to my food as cozy and cute. I’m such a girl.

9) I’m so glad that hip thrusts are the new squats, except for the fact that they’re called hip thrusts.

10) It’s almost creepy how perfect daily devotionals can be exactly what you need on given day. Maybe creepy is the wrong word but…you know what I mean.